Cancer, War and the God Question: why so much suffering? Prof Richard Norman vs Sara Stevenson hosted by Andy Kind

May 2, 2025 · Summarized May 2, 2025

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Key takeaways

The nature of suffering and evil remains a pivotal topic in both philosophy and Christianity, with differing perspectives on the implications of suffering for belief in God.
Christian theodicies attempt to reconcile the existence of a good God with suffering by emphasizing human free will and the potential for spiritual growth through adversity.
Divine violence in the Old Testament is a contentious issue, with interpretations varying widely; some view it as a form of divine judgment, while others emphasize the symbolic dismantling of oppression.
Humanism offers a response to suffering through solidarity and compassion, suggesting that moral values can be derived from human experience rather than a divine source.
The discussion highlights the ongoing debate between faith and secular humanism regarding the existence of objective moral values and the role of God in addressing human suffering.

Summary

The Problem of Suffering and Evil

In this episode, hosts Andy Kind facilitates a significant dialogue between Christian thinker Sarah Stevenson and humanist philosopher Richard Norman, focusing on the perennial question of why a good God allows suffering and violence in the world. Both guests explore the philosophical implications of suffering as a fundamental challenge to Christianity, with Stevenson asserting that Christians offer theodicies and explanations for why God allows suffering, while Norman emphasizes that suffering can seem arbitrary and undermines the existence of a benevolent deity.

Christian Responses to Suffering

Sarah Stevenson presents a Christian perspective on suffering, framing it as a result of human free will and the fall from grace. She argues that God respects human agency, allowing individuals to choose to turn towards or away from Him, and that God’s allowance of suffering can lead to deeper spiritual growth and reliance on Him. The conversation deepens as they discuss empathy and the importance of community support in addressing suffering, with Stevenson asserting that genuine comfort stems from relational connections.

Divine Violence in the Old Testament

The discussion shifts to the topic of divine violence, particularly in the context of the Old Testament commandments to annihilate certain peoples. Stevenson suggests that these commands relate to the symbolic dismantling of oppression rather than outright genocide, positing that the biblical narrative may employ hyperbolic language to convey the destruction of combatants rather than innocent civilians. Both guests engage in a difficult exchange regarding the moral implications of these narratives and how they reflect on the nature of God.

Humanism vs. Christianity: A Search for Values

Richard Norman offers a humanist critique of the need for divine attributes in explaining suffering and moral values. He states that humanists can provide compassionate responses to suffering without necessitating a deity, focusing on empathy as a foundational human experience. In contrast, Sarah argues that the Christian worldview provides a unique mandate for human dignity and morality grounded in divine creation. The discussion emphasizes the complexities of attributing moral values and the implications of varying worldviews on understanding evil and suffering.

Show notes

Why does a good God allow violence and suffering — even in the Bible?
In this episode of Premier Unbelievable?, Andy Kind hosts a thought-provoking debate between humanist philosopher Richard Norman and Christian thinker Sara Stevenson. Together, they explore whether divine violence in the Old Testament undermines the credibility of Christianity, and whether humanists can offer a satisfying response to the reality of suffering.
Is suffering ultimately arbitrary in a godless universe? Or does the biblical story offer a deeper hope in the face of pain and injustice?
Join us for a challenging and honest conversation on faith, morality, meaning, and the problem of evil.
Subscribe to Premier Unbelievable? for more debates and discussions at the intersection of faith and culture.

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